For many visitors, whether it’s their first or fifth time, navigating the Yonghe Lama Temple can be a bit overwhelming. Which hall should you visit first? Where should you make a wish? This travel journal offers a step-by-step guide to ensure you don’t retrace your steps, allowing you to experience the temple in the most efficient way possible.
Optimal Route
- After ticket inspection, follow the main path to the incense distribution area (free incense provided).
- Zhaotai Gate (Side Entrance): Enter here.
- Yonghemen Hall: Pray for happiness and smoothness in life.
- Jiangjing Hall: Pray for peace.
- Yonghe Hall: Pray for wealth.
- Falun Hall: Pray for career success.
- Shilun Hall: Turn your fortune around and dispel disasters.
- Yongyou Hall: Ward off evil and disasters.
- Western Side Hall: Pray for academic success.
- Wanfuge Pavilion: Turn your fortune around and pray for peace.
- Guanyin Cave: Pray for marriage and children (Rear Hall).
- Suicheng Hall: Pray for good fortune and well-being.
- Eastern Side Hall: Pray for wealth.
- Yaoshi Hall: Pray for health and healing.
- Mizong Hall: Pray for peace.
- Exit through the side door, completing your visit without backtracking.
(All halls have plaques at the entrance indicating the deity or Buddha they enshrine.)
Important Tips
- Entering and Exiting Halls: Don’t walk through the middle door or step on the threshold – step over it. Enter with your left foot first and exit with your right foot.
- Handling Incense: After receiving incense, hold it with your left hand, supporting it with your right hand. If the incense catches fire, don’t blow it out—gently wave it out with your hand. Use three sticks of incense, raising them above your head when praying.
- Kneeling and Praying: When kneeling to pray, place both knees on the cushion, press your palms together with your thumbs pointing towards the center of your palms. Raise your hands above your head, then bring them down to your mouth to make a wish, and finally to your chest. Open your palms facing up, and bow your head to touch the cushion or ground. After bowing, place the incense in the incense burner.
- Photography: Do not burn incense or take photos inside the halls. However, you can take pictures of the exterior buildings.
- Wishing Etiquette: Limit your wishes to no more than three—any more is considered greedy. If your wishes come true, remember to return within a year to fulfill your vow.
- Dress Code: Dress appropriately—no revealing clothing. Do not wear hats or sunglasses inside the main halls.
- Women’s Note: It’s okay for women to worship even during their menstrual cycle.
Restaurant Recommendations
If you visit the temple in the morning, you can explore some affordable and delicious eateries on the same street for lunch:
- Xinhe Small Restaurant (新和小馆): Offers tasty Beijing cuisine at reasonable prices.
- Masanyangu Chips (马三洋芋片): Serves flavors from Northwest China.
- Huawei Meat Pie (华为肉饼): A popular spot among locals, known for its delicious and affordable meat pies.
- Yarli Ji (鸦儿李记): Offers simple, quick meals opposite the temple.
If you have extra time, continue walking to the famous Gui Street (Guijie), where you can choose from a wide variety of great dining options!